Trump freezes Russia sanctions he signed last month
Trump signed the sanctions into law last month, then issued an executive order Friday to freeze them.
Trump signed an executive order Friday to pause a major sanctions package targeting Russia's economy, claiming the freeze was in the national interest. Trump personally backed the legislation just last month, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, which aimed to restrict financial resources fuelling Russia's war in Ukraine.
Congress had passed it with strong bipartisan support. The reversal comes a week after Trump announced the US would buy diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices, a move both Republicans and Democrats warn will help Russia's war effort.
Trump's approval ratings have sunk to near-historic lows, with polls showing Americans blame him for higher prices. He is under pressure as Republicans try to hold control of Congress in the November election.
- Senator Lindsey Graham
- Named after
- July
- Graham died
- November 3
- Election Day
- Near historic lows
- Approval ratings
Why it mattersThe freeze weakens economic pressure on Russia over Ukraine and signals Trump's willingness to undo bipartisan legislation.
AustraliaAustralia's closest security ally is shifting its Russia policy, which could affect regional partnerships and global energy markets Australia depends on.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
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